Gov. Doyle offers help to farmers battling drought conditions

Aug 13, 2009      Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Meg Jones

Aug. 13, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Gov. Jim Doyle has declared a state of emergency in 41 counties suffering from drought conditions.

While some areas of the state have adequate soil moisture, farmers elsewhere are experiencing drought conditions at a critical time in the growing season. That could mean significant economic losses from crop damage.

The governor's executive order, issued Wednesday, allows the Department of Natural Resources to expedite requests from farmers for temporary irrigation permits to divert stream or lake water to irrigate crops. The DNR also is required to conduct field inspections of streams or lakes proposed for diversion within 72 hours of receiving the request.

Normally a 30-day notice for public comment is required for farmers seeking irrigation permits, said Liesa Lehmann, DNR waterway protection manager. The concern is that drought conditions have also drawn down lakes and rivers.

"Occasionally we're not able to approve emergency irrigation permits because there's not enough water in the stream to allow irrigation," Lehmann said.

The state of emergency will allow water to be diverted for emergency irrigation until Sept. 11.

However, a majority of farmers in Wisconsin don't have irrigation equipment or access to water bodies, said Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation spokesman Paul Zimmerman.

"It isn't something that will help out every farmer, but at the same token we appreciate the help for those farmers who can use it," he said.

Despite last week's rainfall throughout much of the state, roughly the northern half of the state is experiencing drought conditions. It also hasn't been warm enough for crops, particularly corn, which is heat sensitive and needs warmth and moisture to "set" the ears right now, said Bob Battaglia, director of Wisconsin Agriculture Statistics Service.

Counties covered by the executive order include: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Florence, Forest, Iron, Jackson, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Shawano, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vilas, Washburn, Waupaca, St. Croix and Wood.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0130-37188277

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